Not Everything Scary is Bad

Fear is a basic human emotion that can move us to action … or immobilize us. One of my favorite Christian songs is Zach Williams' "Fear Is a Liar" because the chorus has such a strong message:

Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear to the fire
'Cause fear he is a liar

How many times does fear put you in a frenzy of worry, only to discover that what you worried about never even happens? Fear can trigger your imagination, just like in the short film, "Nightwatch," when the young boy's fear got the best of him as the power went out and he was reading in the dark about lions hunting at night.

Peter, a Jesus Film® staff member, had met Abdul, a 25-year-old Muslim man, in a remote village in Southeast Asia, and was looking for ways to point him to Jesus. But the lack of common language was making it difficult.

"Abdul, do you like scary films?" Abdul smiled and nodded, so Peter played the film, 'Nightwatch,' on his tablet.

After the film was over, Peter smiled, "So Abdul, in your country, what are people your age afraid of?"

"Oh, we are afraid of the devil. He’s powerful. People can't protect themselves.” Abdul struggled to find the English words. “And people in my country are also afraid of where they stand before Allah."

"I used to have the same fears. But then I learned about the power of Jesus." Peter's smile and explanation of the gospel intrigued Abdul.

After hearing this message of hope, Abdul told Peter he wanted to place his faith in Jesus. God used a simple story to connect with Abdul's fears, break through language barriers, and illuminate his need for Jesus.

In the film, the boy's mother says, "Not everything that's scary is bad."

What are you afraid of? How has fear grabbed hold of you? Today, choose to set your fears at the foot of the cross and remind yourself that God is in control. He tells us so many times to "Fear not." Trust Him. While you may not know what the future holds, you can trust in the One who does.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

Angela Costello is a Jesus Film Project® contributing writer who loves random acts of kindness, a good book, great conversations and the Good Book. She’s been a technical writer and editor in Northeast Ohio for more than 25 years. Angela enjoys volunteering for Rahab Ministries, vacationing at the lake and spending time with her friends, faith sisters and family, including her husband of 23 years, their teenage son, her parents and two brothers.

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